Property owners required to shovel sidewalks

While much of the snow has melted from two recent winter storms, it’s possible Leavenworth residents could see more snow before the end of winter. And the city of Leavenworth has an ordinance concerning the clearing of sidewalks after snowstorms.

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By John Richmeier

The Leavenworth Times - Leavenworth, KS

By John Richmeier

Posted Jan. 4, 2013 at 7:45 AM

By John Richmeier

Posted Jan. 4, 2013 at 7:45 AM

While much of the snow has melted from two recent winter storms, it’s possible Leavenworth residents could see more snow before the end of winter. And the city of Leavenworth has an ordinance concerning the clearing of sidewalks after snowstorms.

The ordinance requires property owners to remove snow from the sidewalks that are adjacent to their properties. The ordinance gives them up to 24 hours to clear the sidewalks as well as adjacent sidewalk ramps after a snowstorm has ended, according to information provided by the city.

Melissa Bower, public information officer for the city, said property owners can be cited through code enforcement for violating the ordinance.

“I think it’s very rare, but we have done it in the past,” she said.

The city also has an ordinance requiring people to keep adjacent guttering free of snow and other objects.

City officials have not declared a snow emergency so far this winter. But residents could be asked to move their vehicles if such an emergency is declared.

People are required to move their vehicles from streets that are designated as emergency snow routes within two hours after an emergency has been declared. Emergency snow routes are marked with signs, according to information from the city.

Snow emergencies will be announced on the government access cable channel 2; the city’s website, lvks.org; and the city’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Vehicles that aren’t moved during snow emergencies may be towed at their owners’ expense.